Antwerp invests in strategically located Brazilian port

Brazil has Latin America’s biggest GDP and the seventh-largest economy in the world. The country is an important partner for Antwerp, with 6.4 million tonnes of freight passing between Antwerp and Brazil every year, putting Brazil in sixth place among the port’s trading partners.

In a statement, PAI said that the investment is a sign of the port’s long-term commitment to the Brazilian market. Açu port is an industrial complex handling oil, gas, dry bulk, containers and break-bulk freight. It is located near the Campos oil fields, making it a key location for Brazil’s offshore industry. 

The complex, covering an area of 130 square kilometres, became operational in 2014. With 17km of quays and a depth of 25 metres, the port is able to receive the largest ships operating today, including the VLCC super-tankers.

Antwerp’s decision to invest in Açu port is a sign of the strategic importance of the complex, given its proximity to oil and gas fields as well as to Minas Gerais, the gateway to the Brazilian hinterland. “This is a unique opportunity for PAI to help develop the port and to position Antwerp as a first-choice port for Latin American trade,” the port authority said. 

PAI will take one seat on the Porto board, and fill four management posts.

Photo courtesy Port of Antwerp